Staying over at Nguni Lodge

It was exciting news today to hear that we were going over to stay at Nguni lodge. Nguni lodge used to be a 5 star game lodge until due to a fire, it was shut down by the park. The fact that it is located further in the bush meant that we could expect much visits from animals. We were told to bring our own food and there was no electricity or water source at the lodge. It would be an interesting stay.

Setting off in the morning, the drive down to the lodge was not too long and even the way in was really beautiful, passing by pools and tracks with zebra grazing by.

The rangers stay at the lodge on shift duty, to prevent any intruders from coming by and we had a really nice ranger to accompany us there for the night. Since it was morning when we reached, we spent time exploring the place a little before choosing a place to stay for the night.

After walking the grounds, we decided to stay at the restaurant area, the place where the restaurant and bar had been. The rooms at the lodge were beautiful despite being remnants of what they had originally been. Boasting a bathtub and an outdoor jacuzzi per room, the rooms were also designed such that it was not possible to see the other huts but only the viewing area ahead.

Sitting at the restaurant zone, the best place for us was the part overseeing a field which was where the ranger promised us good views of game and even a leopard's favorite tree.

I had brought along my hammock just for this purpose and set it up quickly between two pillars. It was an ideal spot for me as besides viewing the field, I could also gaze at the stars at night since it was not covered with a roof but rather just pieces of wood.

Elephant !

It was a lazy afternoon for about an hour or so till philip woke us up to view elephants that started grazing in the field. A group of zebras also moved in and it was definitely fun to watch a pair play fight in the distance.

Bush food 

 The highlight was definitely an elephant that moved really close to the lodge and we could see and hear it moving about just below us. Standing at the platform afforded us a very clear view of the animal till it eventually moved towards the stream at the base of the lodge. Lunch was 'bush food' cooked by philip as all of us had presumed we could not cook and just brought bread. Comprising of sardines and baked beans, the meal was simple yet completely filling and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Spending the afternoon at the lodge allowed us some quiet time to reflect and as nightfall came close we walked out of the lodge to take a look at a viewing platform nearby.

Elephants leaving as the sun sets

 The night was spent setting up a crackling fire and chatting before calling it an early night. There was pretty much nothing to do but the cacophony of the nature around completely immersed us as we were spending the night at a place without walls around us.

Spending the night gazing at the star filled sky in my hammock and hearing the sounds of the animals around, sleep came naturally.

Another meaningful day had just passed.